Firearm safety system

ABSTRACT

Use of a handgun is achieved by having a user wear a passive unique RF tag that may be imbedded in a ring on the shooting hand of the user, a wristband, etc. The RF tag is designed to communicate with an RF system embedded in the stock of a firearm. The RF system includes a battery powered micro-controller, a watchdog timer that pings the surrounding area seeking a pre-programmed unique RF code, an RF coil, a programming port, RF interface circuitry, a latching actuator, and a latch. If the RF tag matches the RF code then the latch actuator releases the latch that engages a mechanical firing mechanism and allows the firearm to be discharged. The firearm remains active as long as the RF tag and RF code remain within range of the RF system and is returned to safe mode when the RF tag is no longer detected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of prior filed co-pendingU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/198,968, filed on Apr. 21,2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a firearm safety system, andmore particularly to a firearm safety system for semi-automatic handgunswherein the gun grip contains a mechanical latch mechanism or inrevolvers wherein the gun grip and/or stock contains a mechanical latchmechanism that is wirelessly controlled by RF circuitry that senses thepresence of a passive RF transponder tag.

[0003] Gun safety is a paramount concern for law enforcement and thepublic alike. One of the most pressing concerns relates to theunauthorized use of a firearm and/or the accidental discharge of afirearm, especially by children.

[0004] Numerous mechanical devices addressing firearm safety are known.Most are purely mechanical in nature. Some, however, are more thanmechanical. U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,376 entitled “Magnetic Actuated FirearmsLocking Mechanism” discloses a magneto-mechanical system for firearmsafety.

[0005] The '376 patent uses a magnetic field to actuate a pair ofmagnetic relays (switches). The magnetic field required to actuate eachswitch is different thereby creating a limited range of magnetic fieldstrengths that will allow the firearm to be discharged. Initially, theconfiguration is set to the safe mode in that the first switch is openand the second switch is closed. Both switches need to be closed for thefirearm to be discharged. A lower threshold magnetic field strength isrequired to pull the first switch into the closed position. This lowerthreshold field strength is not strong enough, however, to pull thesecond switch out of the closed position and into an open position. Ifthe magnetic field strength surpasses an upper threshold, then thesecond switch will be pulled away from the closed position into an openposition rendering the firearm inoperable again. Thus, only magneticfield strengths falling between the lower and upper thresholds can keepboth switches in the closed position allowing the firearm to bedischarged.

[0006] Magnetic actuation, however, is difficult to control since thestrength of the magnetic field is dependent on proximity, positioning,magnet age, and other environmental factors. Moreover, the '376 patentcan be accidentally actuated if an unknown magnetic source within thethreshold limits of the system is present.

[0007] The '376 patent mentions the use of an encoding “chip” in a ring,but offers no disclosure of how to “code” a magnetic field. Theinventors of the present invention are not aware of any methodology foraccurately encoding a magnetic field. Moreover, the mention of codes inthe '376 patent (col. 4, line 3) refers generally to contact magneticreaders. The '376 patent does not utilize or disclose a “computer chip”for decoding purposes. Rather, decoding is achieved via an electricalcircuit switch block that operates only when a particular magnetic fieldstrength is present. Thus, the '376 patent is unclear how codedcommunications would occur.

[0008] What is needed is a wireless programmable codable system foractuating a mechanical latch in a firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Nearly all semi-automatic handguns use a slide to load a round(bullet) into the chamber from the magazine. If the slide action can bestopped, then the firearm cannot be loaded, and hence cannot bedischarged. In the case of a revolver, a slide to load a round into thechamber is not used. Rather, the action of the hammer must be impeded inorder to safety the firearm. The present invention discloses a wirelessRF system that senses the proximity of a passive RF tag programmed witha unique code. Detection of the code controls a latch that engages ordisengages with the slide (semi-automatic handgun) or hammer (revolver)making it either impossible or possible to discharge the firearm.

[0010] Use of a handgun is achieved by having the user wear a passive RFtag. The passive RF tag may be imbedded in a ring on the shooting handof the user or on a wristband. Other alternatives for wearing thepassive RF tag in close proximity, approximately 2-6 inches at maximum,and preferably within 2-3 inches, to the firearm may be used withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0011] The passive RF tag worn by the user is designed to communicatewith an RF system embedded into the stock of a firearm. Existingfirearms can be easily retrofitted to include the RF system. The RFsystem contained within the firearm is comprised of a battery poweredmicro-controller (computer chip), an RF coil, a programming port, RFinterface circuitry, a latching actuator, and a latch. Themicro-controller includes a watchdog timer that pings the surroundingarea seeking a pre-programmed unique RF code. The passive RF tag has aunique code that is transmitted back to the micro-controller forverification. If the code emitted by the passive RF tag matches the codeexpected by the RF system contained in the firearm, then the latchactuator operates to release the latch that engages a mechanical firingmechanism within the firearm thereby allowing the firearm to bedischarged. The gun remains active so long as the passive RF tag andunique code remain within range of the RF system contained in thefirearm. The firearm is returned to safe mode when the RF systemcontained in the firearm can no longer detect the passive RF tag'sunique code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a passive RF tag embedded into aring.

[0013]FIG. 2 illustrates the RF system that is to be fitted into thestock of a firearm.

[0014]FIG. 3 illustrates a profile view of the RF system that is to befitted into the stock of a firearm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] A passive RF tag is designed to communicate with an RF systemembedded in the stock of a firearm. Existing fire arms are easilyretrofitted to include the RF system. The RF tag is preferably embeddedinto an article that is worn by the user such as a ring or a wristband.The RF tag is comprised of an RF coil, RF pick-up circuitry, and encodercircuitry. The RF system contained within the firearm is comprised of abattery powered micro-controller, an RF coil, a programming port, RFinterface circuitry, a latching actuator, and a latch. Themicro-controller includes a watchdog timer that pings the surroundingarea seeking a pre-programmed unique RF code. The passive RF tag has aunique code that is transmitted back to the micro-controller forverification. If the code emitted by the passive RF tag matches a codeexpected by the micro-controller within the firearm, then the latchactuator operates to release the latch that engages a mechanical firingmechanism within the firearm allowing the firearm to be discharged. Thefirearm remains active as long as the passive RF tag and unique coderemain within range of the RF system contained in the firearm. The rangebetween the RF tag and RF system should be between 2 to 6 inchesmaximum, and preferably, between 2-3 inches. The RF tag could be furtheraway from the RF system, however, the further away the more power isrequired and thus a bigger a battery is required. The firearm isreturned to a safe mode when the RF system contained in the firearm canno longer detect the proper unique code.

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a passive RF tag embedded into aring. The ring 10 is embedded with an RF coil 12, an RF pick-up circuit14, and an encoder 16. The encoding in the ring 10 is provided by asimple integrated circuit with either a preprogrammed or re-programmableID. When brought into close proximity of a firearm, the ring's RFpick-up circuit 14 becomes active using power obtained from the pingsignal emitted by the RF system contained within the firearm. The ring10 then transmits a signal containing a unique code via the ring's RFcoil 12 to the RF system contained within the firearm. The ring 10 ischaracterized as passive rather than active because it requires nointernal power source. Instead, the RF pick-up circuit 14 and RF coil 12in the ring 10 obtain power from the pinging signal.

[0017] A passive RF tag need not be in the form of a ring, but could beembedded into a wristband or any other device that can be comfortablyheld in close proximity to the firearm.

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates one example of an RF system that is to befitted into the stock of a firearm. The RF system is attached to amounting plate 20 that is, in turn, fixably inserted into the stock ofthe firearm using a set of screws 21 or the like. One-way screws can beused in order to prevent the removal of the RF system from the firearm.The RF system mounted within the firearm can be functionally separatedinto three subsystems including a mechanical actuation subsystem, an RFcommunication subsystem, and a computational subsystem.

[0019] The mechanical actuation subsystem is comprised of a latchactuator 22 and a latch 24. The latch 24 rotates about a pivot 26 andphysically engages and disengages with a firing mechanism (not shown)within the firearm such that when the latch 24 is engaged with thefiring mechanism the firearm cannot be discharged. When the latch 24 isdisengaged from the firing mechanism the firearm can be discharged. Thelatch 24 is controlled by the latch actuator 22. The latch actuator 22is, in turn, connected with a micro-controller 28 that, among otherfunctions, sends a control signal to the latch actuator 22.

[0020] The control signal is capable of causing the latch actuator 22 tomechanically move the latch 24 such that latch 24 disengages from afiring mechanism within the firearm. When the latch actuator 22 isactivated upon receipt of the control signal, a piston 30 that isconnected to a pivot point at the center of a two bar assembly 32, 34retracts. The first bar 32 is pinned at one end to the mounting plate20. The second bar 34 is pinned to the latch 24. As the piston 30retracts, the two bar assembly 32, 34 collapses pulling the latch 24downward such that the latch 24 rotates about its pivot 26 anddisengages from the firing mechanism. When the control signal is nolonger present (or if the battery loses its charge), the latch actuator22 causes the piston 30 to extend which lifts the latch 24 back into anengagement position with the firing mechanism thereby preventing thefirearm from being discharged. The latch actuator 22 is mechanicallybiased so that the piston 30 is extended in the absence of power to thesystem, locking the gun in a safe mode. Moreover, any attempt to forcethe mechanical actuation subsystem results in stress to the stops andhousing and not to the latch actuator 22.

[0021] The mechanical actuation subsystem described above may beaugmented by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present invention. Thus, the particulardescription of the mechanical actuation subsystem is not intended to belimiting, it is merely used as an example.

[0022] For a semi-automatic handgun, the firing mechanism is typically aslide that loads a round into the chamber of the firearm. For arevolver, the firing mechanism is typically a hammer. The mechanicalsystem is typically defaulted to a safe mode meaning that the latch 24engages the slide or hammer such that the slide or hammer is preventedfrom operating as it would normally.

[0023] As mentioned earlier, the latch actuator 22 is controlled by amicro-controller 28. The micro-controller 28 is essentially a computerchip connected with an RF interface 36 and the latch actuator 22.

[0024] The RF communication subsystem is responsible for providing thewireless communications between the RF system within the firearm and thepassive RF tag 10 worn by the user. The RF interface 36 is communicablewith the micro-controller 28 and the passive RF tag 10. The RF system ispowered by a pair of removable 3V batteries 38. An RF coil 40 is woundaround the perimeter of the two batteries 38. The RF system itself iskept in a power saving sleep mode in order to prolong battery life.

[0025] The first task of the micro-controller 28 is to cause the RFinterface 36 to ping the surrounding area for the presence of a uniquecode. A watchdog timer is utilized by the micro-controller 28 to causethe RF interface 36 and RF coil 40 combination to “ping” the surroundingarea at pre-determined intervals, typically once per second. The RFinterface 36 and RF coil 40 combination await a response to the pinging.If a code is detected by the RF interface 36 in response to the pinging,the micro-controller 28 “wakes up” from sleep mode and the computationalsubsystem is activated.

[0026] The computational subsystem compares the code received from thepassive RF tag 10 against a code or range of codes that arepre-programmed into the micro-controller 28 via a programming port 42.If the received code matches one of the codes programmed into themicro-controller 28, then the micro-controller 28 will send a controlsignal to the latch actuator 22 to release the latch 24 allowing thefirearm to be discharged as previously described.

[0027] The computational subsystem also is connected with theprogramming port 42. The programming port 42 allows outside access tothe micro-controller 28 for the purpose of setting, deleting, changing,or otherwise altering the code or codes stored by the micro-controller28 that allows the firearm to be discharged. Use of multiple codes iswarranted in certain situations. For instance, at a gun club or firingrange, a firearm can be programmed to accept several codes in order toallow the different members of the club to use the firearm. It ispresumed that each member would have his or her own passive RF tag andunique code.

[0028]FIG. 3 illustrates a profile view of the RF system that is to befitted into the stock of a firearm. The entire RF system readily fitsinto the stock of a handgun and is less than 5 mm thick. The RF coil 40is shown in cross-section at either end of batteries 38. A battery cover44 provides access to the batteries 38 for replacement purposes. Aprinted circuit board 46 provides the connection between the RFinterface 36 and the micro-controller 28 onto which they are wired.

[0029] Additionally, the RF system power supply can be connected to theoriginal gun safety switch or to an added external switch. The purposeof this switch is to completely power down the entire system leaving thegun in safe mode for long term storage. Upon release of the originalmechanical safety or external switch, the RF system would power up andbegin “pinging” for a valid code contained in a passive RF tag.

[0030] One advantage of the present invention is that it consumesrelatively little power. This is primarily due to the effective range ofthe system and the default sleep mode. Since we are purposely limitingthe system to a very close range, the power needed to ping thesurrounding area for a signal is very small. As a result, the batterylife of the system is prolonged.

[0031] By using a computational-based system in the present application,RF identification tags with 64 or more bits are available for uniquecodes making it very difficult to break a code.

[0032] The firearm's RF system occupies a relatively thin profile (lessthan 5 mm). The compactness results in the ability to retrofit existingfirearms at a relatively low cost. Moreover, since the safety mechanismis embedded within the firearm, it is relatively tamper resistant. Thepresent invention can also be retrofitted and installed into the handleof existing firearms with little or no modifications to the housing. Inthe case of revolvers, installation would require no modifications andthe system would readily fit into the empty area of the stock allowingthe latch mechanism to interfere with hammer action. In the case ofsemi-automatic firearms, the system would fit in the grip of the stockand the latch mechanism could interfere with either the hammer action orthe slide. A semi-automatic would require a small modification to theslide (a notch cut) or slightly more modifications to the hammer.

[0033] The present invention also provides the ability to program afirearm to accept several different, yet unique user codes. Thus, userscould program several passive RF tags to the same gun or to severalguns. This would be particularly useful in gun ranges or clubs whereonly qualified users could use specific weapons or for owners of severalguns. This would also apply to any applications where multiple users usethe same gun(s).

[0034] In the following claims, any means-plus-function clauses areintended to cover the structures described herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing isillustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed aslimited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications tothe disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended tobe included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention isdefined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to beincluded therein.

1. A firearm safety system, comprising: a microcontroller; a firingmechanism; a latch, coupled to said firing mechanism, obstructing saidfiring mechanism; a latch actuator, coupled to said latch, for arming ordisarming said firing mechanism; an RF communication subsystem thatpings the surrounding area to detect a code from a passive RF tag in thevicinity, and, upon detection of said code, said RF communicationsubsystem relays the detected code to said micro-controller; acomputational subsystem including said micro-controller that receivessaid detected code from said RF communication subsystem and compares thedetected code to a pre-programmed code stored in said micro-controller,and if the detected code matches the pre-programmed code, saidmicro-controller sends out a control signal; and a mechanical actuationsubsystem that receives said control signal from said computationalsubsystem wherein said control signal causes said latch actuator torelease said latch, said latch obstructing said firing mechanism priorto reception of said control signal such that the firearm is inoperableuntil said latch is released.
 2. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a programming port coupled to said micro-controller, saidprogramming port allowing an external device to access and program codesinto said micro-controller.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein saidmicro-controller can be programmed with multiple codes.
 4. A firearmsafety system utilizing wireless RF communication, comprising: amechanical firing mechanism; a latch, operatively connected to saidmechanical firing mechanism, capable of obstructing said mechanicalfiring mechanism within the firearm; a latch actuator coupled with saidlatch, said latch actuator disengaging said latch from said mechanicalfiring mechanism in response to a control signal; an RF interfaceincluding an RF coil; and a programmable micro-controller coupled withsaid RF interface and said latch actuator, said micro-controller:causing said RF interface to ping the surrounding area to detect aunique code emitted by a passive RF tag, verifying that a detected codematches a code pre-programmed into said micro-controller; and sendingsaid control signal to said latch actuator only when said code detectedby said RF interface matches a code pre-programmed into saidmicro-controller.
 5. The system of claim 4 further comprising aprogramming port coupled with said micro-controller, said programmingport allowing an external device to access and program codes into saidmicro-controller.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said micro-controllercan be programmed with multiple codes.
 7. A firearm safety system,comprising: a firing mechanism for enabling said firearm; means forpinging the area surrounding the firearm to detect a code; means forrelaying the detected code to a micro-controller upon detection of saidcode; means for comparing the detected code to a pre-programmed codestored in said micro-controller; means for causing said micro-controllerto send out a control signal if the detected code matches thepre-programmed code; and means for releasing a latch in response to saidcontrol signal, said latch obstructing said firing mechanism prior toreception of said control signal such that the firearm is inoperableuntil said latch is released.
 8. The system of claim 7 furthercomprising means for allowing an external device to access and programcodes into said micro-controller.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein saidmicro-controller can be programmed with multiple codes.